Young Plymouth man wins prestigious king's trust award

Brandon, 23 from Plymouth has been named as the winner of an award from The King’s Trust after overcoming immense challenges he faced being born blind and struggling to gain employment, to go on to create his own business which specialises in Braille greeting cards and translation.

The King’s Trust and TK Maxx & Homesense Awards recognise young people who have succeeded against the odds, improved their chances in life and had a positive impact on their local community. Brandon scooped the NatWest Thrive Enterprise Award, which recognises young people who have overcome barriers to create their own sustainable business or social enterprise through The King’s Trust Enterprise programme.​

Before joining Enterprise, a King’s Trust course which helps young people to build a sustainable business, Brandon had been unemployed for 18 months and had applied for over a thousand jobs. 

“I was constantly looking for jobs, applying every single day, spending all day at the computer – I must have been to about 50-60 interviews and was turned down from every single one, either because I didn’t have the experience or because of my disability. I am visually impaired and many companies couldn’t get past that.”

“I began to lose hope, and I ended up in a sticky situation. Sometimes I just didn't see the point, but Mum and Dad, with the help of my dog Bentley, helped pull me out. Despite my visual impairment, I don't let it stop me from living my life and grabbing every opportunity life throws at me.” 

A big source of frustration of Brandon was not being able to read his own birthday cards, or menus in restaurants, and he had the idea of starting his own business to tackle this issue, to make these things more accessible to those with visual impairment.

Through the support of his work coach, who referred him to The King’s Trust, Brandon set about bringing his idea to life and signed up to the Enterprise programme. A course designed to help young people with a business idea set up their business.

“I had been unemployed for so long and was beginning to feel a bit hopeless, I wasn’t sure what I was good at or sure what I was worth. Being able to take part in the programme just like any other young person would, made me feel like maybe there was a future for me.”

“The programme, taught me all the vital skills I needed but also more instrumentally connected me to my incredible mentor Mike who has been invaluable, and really where the business turned the corner. I couldn’t have done it without him. He doesn't realise what a massive impact he has each and every day, and he certainly doesn't get the recognition that he deserves."

“Once I was being supported by The Trust, it felt like there weren’t any barriers for me anymore – all of the course materials were modified for me, for which I was very grateful. No other companies would do that for me. I can’t find the words to express how much that meant to me, I just needed a chance and the Trust provided."

Brandon now has his own company – All Things Dotty - making accessible products for visually impaired people, their families, and businesses – from braille menus, to greetings cards, colouring books and art work.  

On winning the NatWest Thrive Enterprise Award, Brandon said:“It’s a real honor. When my mentor Mike, told me I had won I literally fell off the bed! Being able to take part in the Enterprise programme, after feeling hopeless for long really made me feel like maybe there was a future for me. Anyone thinking of starting a business, it’s not as scary as you think. I hope my story inspires others. If I can do it, so can you!”

Sophie Skinner, Journey Developer (Youth and Families) from NatWest who presented Brandon his award said: “We’re delighted to be back again this year as the proud sponsor of The King’s Trust Enterprise Award. Congratulations to Brandon as this year’s winner in England - it is great to see their business thrive having overcome so many challenges in their journey so far. Brandon is a truly deserving winner.”  

Youth charity The King’s Trust gives young people the skills and confidence to get their lives on track. Three in four young people helped by The King’s Trust in the past five years have moved into work, training or education.